Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere and Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS are striving to keep the noise down around their search for a new coach, yet the conversation refuses to settle. A strong push from benefactor Wicknell Chivayo and growing interest in Benjani Mwaruwari have thrust the Bulawayo giants into the centre of this week’s biggest football storm.
Bosso confirmed they have no coach in place following their parting with Hendrik Pieter de Jongh, whose short-term deal ends on December 31. The Dutchman’s four-month tenure brought little spark, and the club only survived on the final day of the season.
“The position of the club is that we don’t have a coach right now. As you can see, we separated with Mr De Jongh. There is no appointment of a coach that has taken place,” said Highlanders chief executive Denzel Mkandla.
The calm tone from Bosso was quickly drowned out by Chivayo’s declaration on social media. He revealed he has already met Mwaruwari and is ready to personally bankroll the former Warriors captain if Bosso appoint him.
“This past Saturday I had one of the most cherishable moments of my life when I hosted two of Zimbabwe’s most iconic footballers at my home for breakfast — the legendary Benjani Mwaruwari and Harrington Shereni. Mkoma Benji confirmed that he would have an interest provided I exclusively guarantee all his contractual interests, should Highlanders consider him for the top job.
“I was deeply humbled by such a condition, which I also considered fair and reasonable for a football icon of his stature. Following this quick development, through my curator, I proposed that, subject to Highlanders’ governance structures, they consider appointing him through their formal internal processes.”
Chivayo stressed that the package for Mwaruwari would sit outside the US$1 million sponsorship he pledged to Bosso.
“I committed that, outside my US$1 million donation, I would personally secure and safeguard his contractual benefits over and above the sponsorship package, which remains available to help Bosso sign quality players for the 2026 Premier League season. I undertook to provide Mkoma Benji with a brand-new car of his choice as part of his conditions of service. In addition, I will be personally responsible for his monthly salary and benefits for the full duration of his contract should he be appointed.
“I must, however, state clearly here and now that if the club opts for a different coach, the sponsorship package remains in place for the benefit of the team, but the additional conditions will not apply.”
As fans traded views online, Mwaruwari himself stepped forward with a measured response. He confirmed meeting the businessman in Harare at the weekend but avoided adding fuel to the story.
“It is every coach’s dream to be involved with a big club in any country,” said Mwaruwari.
Mwaruwari last worked in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League at Ngezi Platinum and now coaches within the Plymouth Argyle development structures in the United Kingdom.
Should Highlanders accept Chivayo’s proposal, it would signal a dramatic turn in the club’s rebuild and possibly open the door for one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football sons to return home for a second crack at top-flight coaching.
